Why am I having this test?

An adrenal steroid precursors test is used to diagnose the following conditions:

  • Tumors of the glands that sit on top of the kidneys (adrenal glands).

  • Syndromes that affect adrenal gland hormone production (virilizing syndromes).

  • The absence of menstrual periods in women (amenorrhea).

  • Tumors of the testicles or ovaries (gonadal tumors).

Androstenedione (AD) is a hormone that helps to make the female and male sex hormones. AD is one of the types of adrenal steroid precursors. Increased levels of AD in an adult female cause male characteristics to develop. Your health care provider may order this test if you are female and you experience:

  • A deeper voice.

  • Hair growth.

  • The inability to get pregnant.

What is being tested?

This test measures the following adrenal steroid precursors:

  • Androstenedione (AD).

  • Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

  • Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA S).

What kind of sample is taken?

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A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel.

How do I prepare for this test?

If you are female, follow any specific instructions from your health care provider about timing the test with your menstrual cycle.

Tell a health care provider about:

  • All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.

  • Any surgeries you have had.

  • Any blood disorders you have.

  • Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

How are the results reported?

Your results may be reported in different ways, and your results depend on the kind of test that is performed. Your health care provider will compare your results to normal ranges that were established after testing a large group of healthy people (reference ranges). It is common for results to be reported as reference ranges for each of the adrenal steroid precursors. For this test, reference ranges are categorized by a scale of physical development in children and adolescents (Tanner stage). Reference ranges may vary among labs and hospitals.

  • Androstenedione:

    • Tanner stage I: 0.05–0.51 ng/mL (females); 0.04–0.32 ng/mL (males).

    • Tanner stage II: 0.15–1.37 ng/mL (females); 0.08–0.48 ng/mL (males).

    • Tanner stage III: 0.37–2.24 ng/mL (females); 0.14–0.87 ng/mL (males).

    • Tanner stage IV and V: 0.35–2.05 ng/mL (females); 0.27–1.07 ng/mL (males).

  • DHEA:

    • Tanner stage I: 0.14–2.76 ng/mL (females); 0.11–2.37 ng/mL (males).

    • Tanner stage II: 0.83–4.87 ng/mL (females); 0.37–3.66 ng/mL (males).

    • Tanner stage III: 1.08–7.56 ng/mL (females); 0.75–5.24 ng/mL (males).

    • Tanner stage IV and V: 1.24–7.88 ng/mL (females); 1.22–6.73 ng/mL (males).

  • DHEA S:

    • Tanner stage I: 7–209 mcg/dL (females); 7–126 mcg/dL (males).

    • Tanner stage II: 28–260 mcg/dL (females); 13–241 mcg/dL (males).

    • Tanner stage III: 39–390 mcg/dL (females); 32–446 mcg/dL (males).

    • Tanner stage IV and V: 81–488 mcg/dL (females); 65–371 mcg/dL (males).

What do the results mean?

Increased levels of adrenal steroid precursors may indicate:

  • An adrenal gland tumor or other tumors.

  • Inherited syndromes of the adrenal gland, such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia. This condition is due to a defect in a protein (enzyme) that results in low production of a hormone called cortisol.

  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (Stein–Leventhal syndrome).

Decreased levels of adrenal steroid precursors may be associated with:

  • Impaired adrenal gland function (adrenal insufficiency).

  • Ovarian or testicular (gonadal) failure.

Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.

Questions to ask your health care provider

Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:

  • When will my results be ready?

  • How will I get my results?

  • What are my treatment options?

  • What other tests do I need?

  • What are my next steps?

Summary

  • An adrenal steroid precursors test is a blood test that is used to check for virilizing syndromes, the absence of menstrual periods in women, and tumors.

  • This test measures levels of adrenal steroid precursors, including androstenedione (AD), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA S).

  • Increased levels of adrenal steroid precursors may indicate conditions such as adrenal gland tumors or other tumors, inherited syndromes of the adrenal gland, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

  • Decreased levels of adrenal steroid precursors may be associated with conditions such as adrenal insufficiency or gonadal failure.

  • Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.